Libya shuts 2 TV stations taken over by Islamists

Libyan authorities have decided to shut down two public television stations taken over by Islamist militias embroiled in clashes in Tripoli, a government official said on Tuesday.

"The authorities have closed 'Libya al-Wataniya' which had been under the control of the provisional government and 'Libya al-Ramia' which was the voice of parliament," the official said, asking not to be named.

He said Nilesat had accepted requests from the heads of Libya's government and parliament to halt transmission of the two satellite channels.

The two channels have thrown their support behind Islamists battling since July 13 with rival militiamen for control of Tripoli international airport.